From August 1 to August 9, 2025, Tokyo will host a remarkable artistic event at GARDE Gallery: Haruna Shikata’s solo exhibition titled “Overwrite.” This exhibition promises to not only engage the senses but also provoke deep reflections on the nature of memory and the transformative power of creativity.
At the heart of “Overwrite” lies a profound inquiry into the act of rewriting our narratives—both personal and collective. Shikata invites audiences to ponder a crucial question: “What can we do positively while respecting the memories and events engraved in our minds and hearts?” Rather than viewing the act of overwriting as an erasure of past experiences or emotions, she reframes it as a creative process of editing and processing, where new meanings are layered onto existing ones. Through this lens, the exhibition explores the interplay between the weight of memories and the potential for renewal, offering a refreshing perspective on how we can engage with the past to forge new paths forward.
In her mixed-media artworks, Shikata masterfully blurs the boundaries between the digital and the analog, employing a diverse array of materials that include recorded texts, illustrations, drawings, and photographs. This dynamic collage of media reflects her iterative approach to creativity, in which she continuously edits and processes her images, culminating in visually striking pieces that resonate on multiple levels. The artworks in “Overwrite” embody a visual language that captures the essence of fragmentary memories, allowing viewers to experience a journey through layers of meaning and sensation. The overlapping textures and forms invite the audience to witness the nuances of memory reconstruction and the artistic expression that emerges from it.
Haruna Shikata’s artistic journey is rooted in her exploration of emotional and informational memories—elements that shape our identities. Born in Kanagawa, Japan, in 1996, Shikata graduated from Kuwasawa Design School in 2022 before embarking on her artistic career. As she delves into the complexities of memory, she highlights the dual nature of these experiences; while they can serve as sources of inspiration and growth, they can also evoke pain or discomfort. Through her art, Shikata seeks to face these challenging memories, effectively overwriting them by transforming photographs, illustrations, and typography linked to her own experiences. By utilizing techniques such as UV inkjet printing and hand-painted layers on materials like silver leaf, she constructs new entities that emerge from the remnants of the past.
Shikata’s previous exhibitions illustrate her rapid ascent in the contemporary art scene, with notable showcases such as “What You See Underneath” at YOD TOKYO in January 2025 and her participation in various art fairs and collaborative projects. Her accolades further reflect her emerging prominence, including the Jury Prize at “100 People 10” and the Tagboat Special Prize at “Independent Tokyo 2023.” Through these achievements, it becomes clear that Shikata is not merely an artist; she is a voice navigating the intricate landscapes of memory and emotion, seeking to inspire others to embrace their narratives.
The “Overwrite” exhibition at GARDE Gallery promises to be a significant event both for art lovers and those interested in the deeper meanings behind personal and collective memories. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in Shikata’s layered visual journey, as she skillfully merges past experiences with the present moment, enabling an exploration of what it means to rewrite one’s story.
Mark your calendars for this unique opportunity from August 1 to August 9, 2025, at GARDE Gallery located in the heart of Tokyo’s Minato ward. Through her creative lens, Haruna Shikata invites all to reconsider the stories we carry and how we can transform them into a vibrant tapestry of personal expression and artistic innovation.
Leave a Reply